What is the legal responsibility of teachers regarding the education of students with disabilities?
In Tennessee, teachers have a legal responsibility to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to a quality education. This includes providing appropriate accommodations or modifications to classrooms and instruction to ensure that all students can access and benefit from the curriculum. This team-effort is often called the “Individualized Education Program” (IEP), where teachers, counselors, and specialists come together to develop a plan tailored to the individual student’s disability. In the classroom, teachers must be aware of the students’ accommodations and modify instruction to meet their needs. They must also ensure that the student is not excluded from any extracurricular activities such as field trips or assemblies. For instance, teachers must provide reasonable alternative activities for the student if they are unable to attend a field trip or adjust the activity so that the student can participate. In addition, teachers have an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that students with disabilities are not discriminated against or harassed due to their disability. They must address any discriminatory behavior and make a report if necessary. Finally, teachers are also obligated to progress monitor and update the IEP yearly with the student’s educational progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations. Overall, teachers in Tennessee have a legal responsibility to ensure that students with disabilities receive a quality education, and that their civil rights are upheld.
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